how
To Get There
Brazil’s three major cities are all internationally well connected. US citizens must have a business visa. For information about getting one, visit www.brasilemb.org. There is a $36 departure tax when leaving Brazil.
São Paulo
As the third-largest city in the world, São Paulo pulses with life both day and night. Many of its 14 million inhabitants are an amalgam of Portuguese, African and Indian blood. But there are also major ethnic communities of Italians, Japanese, Jews, Arabs and countless others. Due to its importance to the Brazilian economy, São Paulo is headquarters for the largest national companies and many multinationals.
Guarulhos International Airport serves the city of São Paulo and is located 25 miles from the city center. A taxi ride should take approximately 30 to 40 minutes, but in heavy traffic, the trip can take more than an hour and should cost about $20-$25. Congonhas Airport, São Paulo’s domestic airport, is located in the city limits and is about 20 minutes from Jardins or Avenida Paulista. A taxi ride should cost about $15. The main entertainment district is in the area called Jardins, where most hotels are located. However, many companies are moving to a new business area around Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima. The easiest way to get around is by taxi.
Rio de Janeiro
The city of Rio de Janeiro is a pleasing combination of spectacular seascapes and terrestrial vistas, electric atmosphere and vivacious people. Rio pulsates with youthful energy and exudes music, culture and class.
Galeão International Airport serves Rio and is located 23 miles from the city center. A taxi ride should take approximately 30 to 40 minutes, but in heavy traffic, the trip can take more than an hour and should cost about $15-$20. Santos Dumont, the domestic airport, is a 15-minute drive from the main financial center. The main commercial and hotel areas are located in Copacabana and Ipanema. Taxis are plentiful.
Warning:
Travelers should know that violent street crime is common in Rio and São Paulo. However, travelers should be safe if they stick to the main thoroughfares, avoid wearing ostentatious clothes or watches and carry little cash. Taxis from neighborhood stands or hotels are generally safe. Do not try fighting if confronted by a street criminal.
Brasília
Created in 1956, when the capital of Brazil was transferred to the central part of the country, Brasília represents a landmark in the history of town planning. The urban planner Lúcio Costa and the architect Oscar Niemeyer worked to create a harmonious design and the public administration buildings are themselves an attraction.
Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport is located within the city limits. A taxi ride should take approximately 15 minutes, and should cost around $15. The easiest way to get around is by taxi.
where
To Stay
In São Paulo, we recommend the recently opened Unique (Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, 4700 Jardim Paulista, Tel: 5511- 3055-4700). An ultramodern architectural oddity, Unique is worth experiencing if only for its singular aesthetic appeal. Designed by Ruy Ohtake, the Unique includes a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool illuminated with red lights and fitted with an underwater sound system. Located near Ibirapuera, the São Paulo’s equivalent of Central Park, Unique is a refreshing alternative to the city’s traditional business-oriented hotels. We also recomment checking out its interesting bars.
The sophisticated Emiliano (Oscar Freire 384, Jardins, Tel: 5511-3068-4393, www.emiliano.com.br) is known for its attention to details and superb service, including the helicopter rides to and from Guarulhos airport. L’Hotel (Tel: 5511-283-0500, www.lhotel.com.br), is a smaller, exclusive São Paulo hotel on Almeda Campinas with a traditional look and feel that offers top-notch service.
At the end of June, the legendary Fasano family will open the doors of its newest jewel: the Fasano Hotel (Rua Vittorio Fasano 88, Jardins, Tel: 5511-3898-3090). The hotel’s style will be in keeping with Fasano’s mix of quality, attention to detail and personalized service.
In Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Palace (Avenida Atlântica 1702, Tel: 5521-2548-7070, www.copacabanapalace.orient-express.com,) is one of the city’s finest hotels. Built in 1923 and modeled after hotels on France’s Côte d’Azur, the Copacabana is classically styled and provides an all-round luxurious experience. It also has a rooftop tennis court and is located just minutes from the beach.
In Brasília, Blue Tree Park (Tel: 5561-424-7000, www.bluetree.com.br) is located on the Paranoá Lake shore near the Palácio de Alvorada. The hotel is a five-minute drive from Congress.
To Eat
In São Paulo, Fasano (Rua Haddock Lobo 1644, Jardins, Tel: 3062-4000) is where stylish Paulistas go to enjoy classic Italian cuisine and a lively atmosphere. Pasta is freshly made on a marble table visible to guests. The restaurant is famous for its impeccable service and food
Massimo (Alameda Santos 1826, Cerqueira Cesar, Tel: 3284-0311) is another extremely popular venue for excellent Italian cuisine. It pairs regional dishes with local wines. Baby Beef Rubaiyat (Rua Haddock Lobo 1738, Tel: 3063-3888) is among one of the best steakhouse in town as meats come directly from the restaurant’s owner’s fazenda. Filet mignon and feijoada, a black bean stew, are legendary.
Le Coq Hardy (Rua Jerônimo de Veiga 461, Itaim Bibi, Tel: 3079-3344) is an upscale French restaurant with two top chefs. Try the grilled foie gras and mango, and escargots with mushrooms in anise and wine sauce. Amadeus (Rua Haddock Lobo 807, Jardins, Tel: 3061-2859) is widely recognized as São Paulo’s best seafood establishment.
In Rio de Janeiro, Antiquarius (Rua Aristides Espínola 19, Leblon, Tel: 2294 1049) has an excellent award-winning menu and impressive wine list. Le Saint Honoré’s (in Le Méridien Copacabana, Tel: 2201-0000) prepares classical French dishes with exquisite combinations of Brazilian fruits and herbs. Satyricon (Rua Barão da Torre 192, Ipanema, Tel: 2521-0627) is renowned for its eclectic Italian seafood. Pargo fish is its specialty. In Brasília, La Via Vecchia, (in the Bonaparte Hotel, Tel: 322-2288) offers a quiet atmosphere and excellent food. Villa Borghese’s (Tel: 226-5650) character, ambiance and cuisine replicate an Italian cantina.
To Drink
In São Paulo, Emiliano Bar (in the Emiliano Hotel, Rua Oscar Freire 384) is the happening place in the city. Among others are the Armani Caffe (Rua Haddock Lobo) and the Habana Club Cigar Bar (in the Rennaisance Hotel, Tel: 3069-2626). Very interesting novel alternatives are either the quieter Wall Bar & Cyber Café in the lobby of the Unique hotel or its livlier SKYE Bar on the penthouse level.
In Rio de Janeiro, Florentino (General S. Martin 1227, Leblon, Tel: 2274-6841), The Bar at Marina Hotel (Av. Delfim Moreira 696, Leblon, Tel: 22441-000) and the cigar bar Esch Café (Rua Dias Ferreira 78, Leblon, Tel: 2512-5651) are excellent choices for taking clients out for the evening.
what
To Buy
Brazilian must-buys include gemstones such as aquamarine, topaz, tourmaline, amethyst and citrine. These stones are excellent in pre-mounted settings or simply cut. To see the work of one of Brazil’s top jewelry modern and classical designs in gold and precious stones, stop by Antônio Bernardo (Rua Bela Cinta 2063, Jardins, Tel: 3083-5622).
In Rio de Janeiro, Amsterdam Sauer (R. Garcia D’Ávila 105, Ipanema, Tel: 2512-1132) is an excellent source of quality stones and very attentive service. Another good place to purchase gemstones and jewelry are at the stores of H Stern, which can be found throughout the country in major hotels.
Other recommended Brazilian products are a premium cachaça, a local rum and decorative plumage. Funai, the national Indian foundation, operates stores in major cities that sell high-quality indigenous artifacts and also controls the supply in third-party stores.
To Unwind
In São Paulo, a visit to the São Paulo Museum of Art can be done in a couple of hours. The signature building on stilts on Avenida Paulista houses a fine collection of works by artists such as Renoir, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Degas. For a colorful immersion in 19th and 20th century Brazilian art, visit the Pinacoteca do Estado (Praça da Luz 2, Tel: 229-9844). The excellently curated collection features artists such as Georgina de Albuquerque, João Batista Pagini and Oscar Fereira da Silva among many others.
Only two hours away from São Paulo the winter resort Campos do Jordão (Grande Hotel Campos do Jordão, Av. Frei Orestes Girardi 3549) offers great weekend relaxation away from the city.
In Rio de Janeiro, hit the beach. Rio’s beaches are great for walking, cycling, drinking coconut water or a cold beer, and watching the sun go down and the world go by. Another thing to do in Rio is to see the city from the top of Corcovado, where the statue of Christ with open arms looks over Guanabara Bay. Sugar Loaf Mountain, is a massive rock that looks over the entrance to Guanabara Bay. You can reach the top after a breathtaking cable car ride with one of the most beautiful views of the city.
In Brasília, take a tour of the Esplanada dos Ministérios, where the most beautiful of Oscar Niemeyer’s architectural creations are to be found. At the Museo Nacional das Gemas, the region’s abundant gemstones and crystals are on display. Another relaxing diversion is a boat ride on the Lago Paranoá.
2003 National Holidays
May 1-Labor Day
June 19-Corpus Christi
September 7-Independence Day
October 12-Our Lady of Aparecida
November 2-All Souls Day
November 15-Proclamation of the Republic
December 25-Christmas Day